Why I named myself "Isis".
When I created the persona, "Isis Vega", I was thinking of the most beautiful ethnic name that would conjure up the image of an African princess. I am proud of my ethnicity, my dark skin, and kinky hair. I wanted a name that was fitting. I did not intend to associate myself with the organization, ISIS. I even assumed that anyone who came across my name would immediately accept it because they'd have either known someone named Isis at some point in their life or heard of the Egyptian goddess, Isis. For me, both are true (I went to high school with a girl named Isis and I envied her name).
Since Isis Vega came to be, I've come across at least 3 clients who have been curious about my choice of name. They all seemed to think it was a bold choice given the current and most prevalent interpretation of the word. For the most part, I shrugged it off until one of my newest clients listed some valid reasons people may be turned off by the name, "Isis":
- I may be directly affiliated with the organization.
- I may be sympathetic toward the causes of the organization.
- Their general anxiety around the name may cause them to just find another provider.
Anyway, I found this conversation really interesting because I was completely ignorant to the fact that my name would make potential clients uncomfortable! I actually find it a little funny because I've taken for granted that everyone knows of the ancient Egyptian goddess. Meanwhile, lots of folks have heard of no such thing and their immediate thought is that I may have some "unsavory" connections in this world...
I still love the name "Isis". Should I keep the name or would it be better to change it??
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